Indian-origin Ruby Dhalla enters race to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Dubai: Ruby Dhalla, a former Canadian Member of Parliament of Indian origin, has officially entered the race to become the leader of Canada's Liberal Party, aiming to succeed Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister.

If successful, Dhalla would make history as the first woman of colour to lead both the party and the country.

Dhalla represented the Brampton—Springdale riding from 2004 to 2011, becoming one of the first Sikh women to serve in Canada's House of Commons. In her recent campaign announcement, she emphasised her commitment to addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking. On the social media platform X, she stated, "As Prime Minister, I will deport illegal immigrants and clamp down on human traffickers. That's my promise to you."

Expressing gratitude for the support received, Dhalla shared, "We are on the verge of creating history by electing the first woman of colour as the leader of the Liberal Party and the next prime minister of Canada." She highlighted her intention to engage a new demographic in Canadian politics, aiming to bring practical solutions to the challenges Canadians face.

The Liberal Party is set to announce its new leader on March 9. The selected individual will assume the role of Prime Minister, though their tenure may be brief if a federal election is called soon after. Dhalla joins a competitive field, with notable contenders such as former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland also vying for the leadership.

Born in Winnipeg, Dhalla began her university studies at McMaster University on a full scholarship before transferring to the University of Winnipeg, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry with a minor in political science in 1995.

That year, she was shortlisted as a Rhodes Scholarship nominee for Manitoba. Dhalla then moved to Toronto, where she graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1999.

She describes herself as a "self-made businesswoman and entrepreneur" passionate about the Liberal Party and Canada.

As the leadership race progresses, Dhalla's campaign will focus on returning the party to its members and centering it with practical solutions to national challenges. She positions herself as a leader unconnected to the current administration, ready to "shake up the system" and bring about real change.